Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe

Authentic Polish Dessert recipe — Polish doughnuts (Pączki). Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 cup vodka (for flavor and texture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Dough

    In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

    Ensure milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  2. Combine Ingredients

    Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, vodka, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

    Use a whisk for a smoother mixture.
  3. Incorporate Flour

    Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.

    Keep extra flour on hand for dusting while kneading.
  4. Let Dough Rise

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

    Place the bowl in an oven with the light on for warmth.
  5. Shape the Doughnuts

    Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1-inch thickness. Cut out rounds and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

    Use a floured cutter to prevent sticking.
  6. Fry the Doughnuts

    Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes.

    Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.
  7. Dust and Serve

    Remove doughnuts from oil and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

    Serve warm for the best taste.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients for best flavor. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for better results. Fry in small batches for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Delicious Polish Doughnuts (Pączki) Recipe is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine.

Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vodka is optional but enhances the texture and flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium200mgmg
Total Carbohydrates35gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein3gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePolish
CategoryDesserts